Life was just handsome for Richard Johnson when he brought home Anzum with a late run to win the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 1999.

His patience and ultimate tenacity saw him being honoured for the ride of the year.

A year later, he was tasting glory again aboard Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble, after connections had "jocked off" previous rider Norman Williamson.

Now the 24-year-old Johnson has savoured more Festival success with victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Another patient ride saw him take victory on Flagship Uberalles, the pre-race favourite.

And Johnson finished joint leading jockey at the meeting with a second win in the last race on Rooster Booster.

Despite being off the track earlier in the season with a broken leg, Johnson stayed in the public eye because of his Royal connections which have helped him become a household name.

His relationship with Zara Phillips, the Princess Royal's daughter, has attracted the media spotlight.

And the coverage reached fever pitch early in 2001 when the pair were reported to have slugged it out in a street bust-up.

More than 12 months on, the glare of publicity has dimmed.

But with Zara the patron of Cheltenham Raceourse's 18-24 club for young racegoers, she looks sure to be among the Festival crowd cheering on Johnson.